God Is Women

chapter 25

At the Mansion

Ishni's POV

As I entered the mansion, the faint scent of coffee and cologne greeted me. I barely had time to take off my heels when I saw him-Rudra-already waiting near the living room, arms folded, that half-smirk on his lips.

"Welcome home, Lawyer Sabiha," he teased, his voice warm.

I couldn't help but smile, the tiredness of the day melting just a little. I walked toward him, and before I could say anything, he pulled me in, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"I missed you," he whispered against my hair.

I chulked softly. "Rudra, in a single day, you call me at least a hundred times. And you still miss me?"

He shrugged, not letting go. "Of course. The calls are for checking. This..." he pulled me closer, "is for breathing."

I blinked up at him, heart doing little somersaults.

"You're impossible," I mumbled.

"And yet, yours," he said, kissing my temple again.

After dinner, Rudra kissed my forehead and went to his study room. I changed into my nightwear, tied my hair up in a loose bun, and settled into bed with my laptop. The soft glow of the screen illuminated the quiet room as I started checking a few pending case files.

But no matter how many times I tried to focus, my mind kept drifting back to today's scene.

That girl's trembling lips.....Her mother's helpless sobs.lawyer's cowardice rage in her father's eyes. pain in her silence.

I shut the laptop for a moment and closed my eyes. My chest tightened.

That night flashed again.

Rain...Laughter that wasn't mine.

Hands that held me down... cold screaming.

My own.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my temple.

"No," I whispered to myself. "You're not the girl from that night anymore, Ishni. You are fire now. And no one... no one is going to go unheard under your watch."

I sighed, my head pounding. My brain just... refused to work tonight. I shut my laptop with a thud and stood up, rubbing my forehead.

I needed him.

Pushing open the study room door gently, my eyes found him-there he was, sitting in his oversized leather chair, legs crossed, sleeves rolled up, and jaw clenched in sharp focus. A dark aura of command surrounded him. Dangerous. Calculated. And so maddeningly handsome.

My feet moved on their own.

I walked slowly to him, wrapped my arms gently around his neck from behind, and rested my cheek against his temple.

He paused.

"Jaan?" his voice softened immediately, that edge in him melting as his hand reached up to hold mine.

I didn't say anything.

Just breathed in his scent and let his presence calm me.

"Tired?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to brush his lips against my wrist.

I nodded.

"My head's a mess," I whispered.

He tugged my hand, and I walked around the desk. Without a word, he pulled me gently onto his lap, arms circling me protectively.

"Then stop thinking," he murmured, pressing his lips to my temple. "You've done enough today, jaan..Let me take care of you now."

And just like that, the storm in my head went quiet.

Next Day

Ishni's POV

I sat in my office, tapping my pen against the desk as I stared at the clock. My heart was calm but determined. This case... this girl... she reminded me of a version of me I had buried long ago.

A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts.

"Please come in," I said.

The door opened slowly.

Her parents stepped in first-tired eyes, cautious footsteps. And then the girl walked in behind them. She clung to her mother's dupatta, head bowed, her hands fidgeting nervously.

I smiled gently. "Please sit."

They settled in across from me. The girl didn't meet my eyes.

I leaned forward slightly. "Did you have something to eat this morning?" I asked softly, more as a person than a lawyer right now.

She glanced up at me for the first time-startled by my question-and nodded hesitantly.

"Good," I smiled, then turned to her parents. "Let's talk."

"Baccha, what's your name?" I asked softly, keeping my tone warm and patient.

She flinched a little, fingers gripping her mother's hand tightly. Her voice came out barely above a whisper, "Na... Naina."

I smiled instantly. "Aww... kitna pyaara naam hai," I said, gently placing my hand on the table, close enough for her to see but not to scare her. "Bilkul tum jaise, naina-meethi,

Her lips twitched, almost a smile.

I glanced at her mother. "Don't worry. Ab ye case mera hai. Main hoon Naina ke saath... aur main kisi ke baap se nahi darti."

The mother's eyes welled up again, but this time not from fear-this time, from hope.

"Thank you, madam... hum-hum aapka ehsaan..." the father began.

I raised a hand gently. "Yeh ehsaan nahi, yeh farz hai. Jab tak Naina ko insaaf nahi milta, main chain se nahi baithungi."

I looked back at Naina, her big eyes locked onto mine now.

"Naina baccha, come here," I said softly, extending my hand.

She hesitated for a moment, but then slowly placed her small hand in mine.

I guided her gently to the nearby couch in my office. We both sat down, her shoulders still tense. I kept my voice calm and comforting.

"Haan toh Naina, baatao... aap kaunsi class mein ho?"

She looked down at her fingers for a second before mumbling, "Seventh..."

I gave a gentle smile. "Wow... toh abhi school mein sabse pyaari ladki tum hi hoti hogi, hai na?"

A soft blush crept on her cheeks. She didn't speak, but she nodded-just a little.

I reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "Naina, yahan koi darr ki baat nahi hai. Aap bilkul safe ho, main hoon na?"

She looked at me, eyes still watery, but this time... they held a tiny flicker of trust.

"You're very brave, you know that?" I whispered.

Her small voice replied, "Par... sab kehte hain ki main jhooth bol rahi hoon..."

My jaw clenched for a moment-but I kept my tone steady.

"Toh ab sab galat sabit honge," I said firmly. "Tumhare saath main hoon. Aur tum jhooth nahi bol rahi ho... main sabit karungi."

She blinked up at me slowly.

"Aap... lawyer ho?" she asked quietly.

I smiled and nodded. "Haan. Par tumhare liye, main sirf ek dost hoon. Theek hai?"

She finally gave me the tiniest smile.

And that smile felt like a promise.

To make her more comfortable, I softened my voice and smiled gently. "Okay... yeh baato, tumhara favourite colour kya hai?"

She looked up at me, her voice still timid. "Blue..."

I grinned, "Aree wah, yeh toh mera bhi favourite hai! High five?" I raised my hand.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she gave me a shy high five.

I chuckled, keeping the mood light. "Tumhe travelling pasand hai, Naina?"

Her eyes lit up like a spark. "Haan! Mujhe bahut pasand hai... main poori duniya dekhna chahti hoon!"

Her enthusiasm melted something in me. For a moment, she wasn't a scared girl sitting in a lawyer's office. She was just a child-dreaming big, glowing with innocence.

"Wow, poori duniya?" I said, pretending to be surprised. "Toh mujhe bhi saath le chalo, main bhi ghoomna chahti hoon!"

She giggled. "Theek hai! Par pehle Switzerland jayenge, wahan snow hota hai!"

I smiled warmly and said, "Pata hai Naina, mere pati hai na-Rudra-ek baar maine bola ki aap mere saath pani puri khao... aur maine unhe thika wala de diya," I giggled, covering my mouth, "aur unka mooh... laal tamatar ki tarah ho gaya tha!"

Naina burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Bechare!" she said, giggling uncontrollably.

I joined her laughter, my heart swelling just seeing her laugh like that.

I glanced at her parents-they were watching quietly, eyes brimming with emotion. Her mother covered her mouth, whispering, "This is the first time she is laughing..."

My throat tightened. I gently placed my hand on Naina's head

"Didi... toh aapke pati ne kya kiya phir?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity, as if this was the most important twist in the story.

I gasped dramatically and pouted. "Unhone mujhe ek hafte tak ice cream nahi khane diya!" I crossed my arms like a kid, making a sulky face.

Naina's jaw dropped. "Kyaaa? Ek poora week?! That's not fair!" she said, eyes big and filled with mock outrage.

I nodded. "Exactly! Maine bhi wahi bola... lekin unka kehna tha, 'tumhari tabiyat kharab ho jaayegi, baby'." I mimicked Rudra's deep protective voice, making her giggle again.

Her laughter was soft and full of life-something I could tell had been missing for a long time.

I gently nudged her, "Waise... tum bhi meri tarah thodi si naughty lagti ho, hmm?"

She looked up at me and smiled shyly. "Thodi si..."

We both giggled. And in that small moment, the weight she'd been carrying seemed just a little lighter.

I gently held her small, trembling hands in mine. "Naina... ab mai tumse jo bhi puchungi, tum mujhe bataogi? Sach sach?"

She looked up at me-this time, no fear, no hesitation-just a soft nod.

I gave her a reassuring smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good girl."

Taking a deep breath, I asked gently, "Naina... jisne tumhare saath yeh kiya hai... vo kaun tha?"

Her lips quivered slightly, but she didn't look away. "Vo... mera senior tha... 12th class ka. Principal ka beta hai..." her voice dropped at the end, as if the words still tasted bitter.

My jaw clenched slightly but I forced myself to stay calm. "Naam pata hai uska?"

She nodded. "Aman"

I nodded gently, brushing my thumb over her knuckles. "Acha, Naina... starting se batao. Kya hua tha? Jaise tum comfortable ho."

She took a shaky breath, but her voice was steady.

"One day... main corridor mein khel rahi thi. Accidentally kisi se takra gayi. Jab upar dekha... toh woh Aman tha," her face turned a little pale.

"Phir?" I asked softly.

"Usne mujhe ghoora... bahut gusse se. Main dar gayi thi... toh 'sorry' bolke bhaag gayi..." her eyes dropped to the floor.

I kept nodding encouragingly. "Aur phir?"

"Phir ek din... school mein ek event tha. Saare bachhe busy the. Tabhi... woh mere paas aaya..." her voice trembled a little, and I felt her fingers curl around mine.

My heart twisted, but I whispered gently, "Main hoon na. Tum bolo."

She swallowed. "Usne bola ki Principal ne bulaya hai mujhe. Main dar gayi thi, socha kuch galti toh nahi ki... toh chali gayi uske saath..."

She paused, her breath shaky again. Her parents were watching from the couch, frozen.

"Phir?" I asked again, voice barely above a whisper.

"Vo mujhe le gaya... back side storeroom mein," she whispered, eyes turning glassy. "Aur... andar se lock kar diya..."

I gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "It's okay, Naina. Aage bolo... main sun rahi hoon."

She sniffled and continued, her voice a whisper, " mai boli ki tum mujhe yeh kiu laye ho vo bola ki baat karna hai fhir vo mujhse acche se baat karne laga aur fhir usne bola ki main beautiful hoon.

.. I thought vo bas friendly hai. Phir usne pucha ki hum friends ban sakte hai, toh maine haan bola.

.. kyunki... vo tab tak normal lag raha tha. "

I nodded slowly. "Haan... aur phir?"

She fidgeted with her fingers, hesitant. "Phir... usne kaha, friends secret share karte hain... phir usne bola... 'mujhe ek secret batana hai'. Main chup thi... usne bola 'tumhe mera secret sunna padega warna main dosti tod dunga'..."

I felt my jaw tighten. My hand gently squeezed hers. "Tumne kya kiya phir?"

"Main darr gayi... maine bola theek hai... toh usne kaha ki... usse ladkiyon ko touch pasand hai... I didn't understand properly... phir usne bola ki 'tum bas haan karo, main sab samjha dunga'..."

My breath caught as Naina's voice quivered, every word like a shard of glass against my soul.

"Phir... jab maine haan bola..." she whispered, eyes fixed on the floor, "vo dheere dheere apna shirt kholne laga. Mujhe laga... shayad garmi ho rahi hogi... par phir usne apna haath mere shoulder par rakha... aur dheere dheere mujhe chhone laga."

She paused, her small fingers clenched tightly in mine now. I didn't rush her. Her parents sat frozen, holding each other, shattered.

"Maine poocha... 'aap kya kar rahe ho?' toh vo bola... 'friends mein yeh sab normal hota hai'. Mujhe ajeeb laga. Maine uska haath hata diya... aur jab main jaane lagi... toh usne mujhe roka liya..."

Her voice cracked, "usne bola... 'itni jaldi nahi...' maine push kiya... par usne mera muh pakad liya... zor se... phir usne..."

She looked at me, her eyes silently asking if she could say more.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "Phir usne mera dress... utara... aur mere saath ganda kiya... Main royi, chillaayi... par koi nahi aaya. Usne mujhe... thappad bhi maara..."

I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm the storm rising inside me.

Naina's words sliced through the air like a silent scream.

"Phir us raat... main pura raat roti rahi... ghar jaake maine mummy papa ko bataya... unhone school mein complaint ki... par uske power ki wajah se sabne keh diya ki main jhooth bol rahi hoon," she whispered, her voice trembling, face buried in my shoulder.

"We police station bhi gaye... par kisi ne help nahi ki. Jab court mein case file karne gaye... toh koi lawyer ready nahi tha. Jo the... vo itne paise maang rahe the jo hum de hi nahi sakte the..."

With that, she broke down completely, hugging me tightly, sobbing like a child clinging to her last hope.

My arms wrapped around her protectively.

"Bas... Naina," I whispered softly, holding her as if shielding her from the monsters of her past. "Ab tum akeli nahi ho. Main hoon na? Tumhare liye ladungi. Aur jo usne kiya hai... uska hisaab milega. Tum dekhna."

Her little fists clutched at me tighter. I looked over her head at her parents-silent tears streamed down their faces, but for the first time, there was also a flicker of hope.

I gently wiped Naina's cheeks. "Ab se koi tumhari awaaz daba nahi sakta, kyunki tumhare saath main hoon. Advocate Ishni rudra singh rajput "

And in that moment, I didn't care how powerfully that Aman was.

Evening - Ishni's POV

I sat quietly in my chair, the setting sun casting a dull orange hue across my desk.

But all I could see was her tear-streaked face.

Seventeen.

She's just seventeen.

A child who should be worrying about exams, not trauma and courtrooms.

I rubbed my temple, my mind throbbing with anger and helplessness.

"How can people be so cruel..." I muttered under my breath.

The echo of Naina's sobs still rang in my ears.

Her trembling hands.

The fear in her voice.

The way she said, "usne mujhe thappad bhi maara tha."

My nails dug into the chair's armrest.

They left an innocent girl to rot in pain. Everyone turned their back on her because the rapist's father sits on a pedestal.

Not anymore.

I looked at the clock. They'd left a while ago-her family.

I promised them I'll handle it. And I will.

I'll destroy every wall they've built with money, silence, and power.

For Naina.

For every girl who was told her pain isn't valuable enough to fight for.

This isn't just a case.

This is war.

"Ek din mujhe aap bhula hi jaogi..."

A deep voice echoed softly in the room.

I turned sharply, startled-only to find him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, face unreadable.

My husband.

A slow smile tugged at my lips as I walked toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Kya hua, patidev?" I teased gently.

He didn't respond right away, just leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss on my forehead before hugging me tighter than usual. As if trying to hide his worry inside that embrace.

"Aapko kab se phone laga raha hoon... Phone kyun nahi utha rahe ho?"

His voice was quiet, laced with concern.

I leaned back a little, looked up at him-his brows furrowed, eyes scanning my face like I might disappear.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, "woh... ek case mein thoda zyada involved ho gayi thi."

He didn't reply, just rested his chin on my head and held me close.

Suddenly, there was a knock and my assistant peeked in nervously, "Ma'am-oh! Sorry..." he started backing away as soon as he saw Rudra's arms around me.

"Wait!" I called.

Rudra reluctantly let go as I stepped back and composed myself. "Yes, tell me," I said.

"Mam, these are the files you requested," he said, handing them over.

I took the files, scanning through the top one. "Alright. Tomorrow I'll be sending you the case documents. I want them submitted in court immediately. I need the hearing date finalized as soon as possible."

"Yes ma'am. It'll be done," he nodded respectfully and walked out.

I turned back around-

And there he was.

Rudra.

Already packing up my things with such ease, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

I couldn't help but smile. "So eager, mm?"

He looked up, slinging my bag over his shoulder. "Of course. I need to take care of my baby," he said with a wink.

Ugh. This man.

My husband.

My peace.

I held his hand as we walked toward the exit in silence. Once we stepped out, the breeze hit my face gently-cool and comforting. Rudra opened the car door for me and helped me in, then walked around and took the driver's seat.

The city outside was alive-bustling with lights, honking, and laughter echoing faintly in the night.

I leaned back, watching it all through the window, the neon glow reflecting in my eyes.

"Rudra..." I said softly, still staring out, "why do people think women are their public property?"

He didn't respond right away. His fingers tightened just slightly around the steering wheel, jaw clenching.

After a few seconds, his voice came out low but firm, "Because they were raised to believe power gives them ownership. That if a woman says no, it's just an invitation to push harder."

I looked at him. His eyes were straight on the road, but I could feel the fire in them.

"But they're wrong, jaan," he continued. "And as long as I'm breathing, no one-no one-gets to treat you or any woman like that. Ever."

I turned back to the window, heart full but aching, eyes misty.

And in that moment, under a city full of lights, I felt both the weight of the world...

...and the strength of the man beside me.

At night-

After dinner, I changed into my comfy tee and shorts, tied my hair in a messy bun, and sat cross-legged on the table, surrounded by papers, files, and highlighters like a true battlefield.

I was deeply lost in my work, flipping pages, making notes, occasionally muttering legal sections under my breath like spells.

I didn't even realize how much time had passed until suddenly-

"Ahhh Rudra!" I squeaked as I felt myself being lifted from the table like a sack of rice.

"What the hell are you doing! Put me down!" I said, swatting his arm while still clutching the stapler in one hand like a weapon.

But this man-this dramatic, possessive husband of mine-just grinned and said, "Jaan, you're ignoring me way too much. I waited, and waited... and waited... but Madam Lawyer here just kept romancing her files."

I glared. "Because Madam Lawyer is trying to get justice for a child, Mr. Drama Singh Rajput!"

He walked us over to the couch, still holding me like a feather. "Justice can wait five minutes. Your husband cannot." He plopped down with me still in his lap.

I crossed my arms. "Rudra, I swear to god..."

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and whispered, "Swear to god after cuddling."

And just like that-my anger dissolved into a giggle.

This man is my biggest distraction... and also my calmest comfort.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, my lips curling into a playful smile.

"Okay, Mr. Attention-Seeker... now what?" I asked, raising a brow.

He smirked, pulling me a little closer, his voice dropping low,

"Just focus on me for now..."

And before I could even sass him back, he leaned in and kissed my neck-slow, warm, and maddening.

I shivered. "Rudra..." I warned, trying not to melt.

"Hmm?" he hummed against my skin, clearly amused.

"You're distracting the nation's top lawyer, you know that?"

"And I'd gladly be arrested for that crime every night," he murmured, brushing his lips up to my jaw.

I rolled my eyes dramatically but held him tighter.

This man-uff.

Hopelessly, stupidly, dangerously romantic.

And completely, undeniably mine.

"Rudra... mujhe chocolate khana hai," I said, stretching like a stubborn cat.

"Mujhe bhi," he replied instantly, folding his arms.

I gave him a confused look. "Matlab?"

He grinned. "Matlab, main bhi khana chahta hoon-aapke saath."

Rolling my eyes, I said, "Accha baba, wait here. I'll bring it."

But before I could even move, he lifted me off his lap and placed me gently on the bed.

"aap ruko, main laata hoon," he said with that same smug authority.

I flopped onto the bed with a sigh.

"Kya kya karte hai yeh aadmi... uff," I muttered, pulling a pillow under my chin.

Moments later, he walked back in with a victorious smirk, waving the chocolate like it was a trophy.

His eyes sparkled mischievously as he climbed onto the bed and held the bar just out of my reach.

Before I could even grab the chocolate from his hand, he pulled it back slightly, smirking devilishly.

"Kya?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"No... not like this," he said, voice laced with playful mischief.

"Hein?" I blinked, confused. "Rudra, what-"

But before I could finish, he leaned in, lips brushing the shell of my ear, and whispered darkly, "I want to suck it like droplets from your body."

My breath hitched.

My eyes widened.

My cheeks-redder than the strawberry cream inside the chocolate bar.

"Rudra!" I squeaked, clutching the pillow and hiding my face.

He chuckled lowly, his voice sending trembles down my spine.

"Arre kya? Sweet toh dono hai... chocolate bhi, aur aap bhi," he winked.

"aap bas flirt karne ke mood mein ho," I mumbled from behind the pillow.

He leaned closer. "aap bas sharmaane ke mood mein ho."

His eyes never left mine as he gently removed my shirt, brushing soft kisses over every inch of skin he revealed. I gasped slightly at the contrast between his warm mouth and the cool air of the room. He laid me down gently on the bed like I was something delicate, precious.

For a moment, he didn't move-just stared at me, as if trying to memorize every inch of me, every breath, every flutter of my lashes.

"Eyes on me, jaan," he whispered.

I nodded, heart thudding wildly. His gaze was intense, burning, yet full of something softer-reverence.

Then, he brought the chocolate near my lips. "Eat," he ordered, voice low and thick with desire.

I took a bite, the sweet melting on my tongue. He smiled as if that moment alone was enough to undo him.

"You're adorable," he murmured.

Before I could respond, he leaned in and kissed me-no, devoured me-with a passion that had my head spinning. The taste of chocolate mixed with the taste of him, and I didn't know where one began and the other ended. His tongue swept mine in slow, indulgent strokes, and I found myself lost in him.

Somewhere between kisses and laughter, I didn't even notice when the chocolate trailed down from my lips to my chest, sticky and warm. His eyes darkened at the sight.

"Well," he breathed, "now I have to clean that up, don't I?"

And with that, he dipped his head down, his lips chasing every sweet smear like it was sacred.

He began licking the chocolate away, slowly, reverently. His tongue trailed over my skin, tasting every inch. My fingers tangled in his hair as my body arched up to meet his mouth. I moaned, the sound involuntary, my chest rising and falling with each kiss.

He gently cupped my breast, mouth closing around my nipple, and my breath hitched sharply. "Uff... ahh..." I moaned, hips shifting beneath him.

His free hand found mine, fingers lacing together as he kissed his way down my body. "Ishni," he murmured, "I could spend my whole life loving you like this."

"Rudra..." I moaned softly, my fingers tangled in his hair. He groaned against my skin, his voice deep and raw.

"Say my name again," he whispered, trailing his tongue along the curve of my waist. "I want to hear it... feel it on your lips when you come undone for me."

His hand cupped the underside of my thigh, lifting gently, slowly, as his mouth followed the trail of chocolate he'd painted across my stomach, dipping, teasing, licking it off like he was tasting devotion.

His lips moved between my thighs, his breath warm, his tongue tasting like sin and sweetness. I gasped, my hips rising instinctively, seeking more of him.

"Rudra... ahh... please..." I whimpered, lost in the rhythm of his worship.

He looked up from between my legs, eyes wild and tender at once. "You're mine, Ishni... and tonight, I'm going to prove it again and again."